I recently delved into the first chapter of "Humility: The Journey Towards Holiness" by Andrew Murray, a recommendation from Nathan Miller, whose devotional blogs I follow closely. While I was already acquainted with Murray through his work "Absolute Surrender," which I plan to discuss in a future vlog, the suggestion to explore this book felt like a valuable addition to my library. Murray, a South African writer, teacher, and Christian pastor, dedicated his life to the mission of the church from his ordainment in 1848 until his passing in 1917.
In my previous blog post, I shared my quest for humility through prayer and study. Murray's words resonated deeply with me, particularly his assertion that humility transcends mere contrition; it is, in fact, our participation in the life of Jesus. This realization underscores our true nobility as human beings created in the image of God—to serve others selflessly, mirroring Christ's example.
Sadly, Murray observes, the concept of humble service is often overlooked in modern Christianity, a trend that persisted even during his own time. Yet, the essence of love pervades the teachings of John, Peter, Paul, and James, emphasizing humility as its foundation.
Murray's reflections on our unceasing dependence on God struck a chord within me. Our very existence hinges upon His sustaining power, a reality often taken for granted. Jesus exemplified this dependence, prioritizing the will of the Father above all else. However, contemporary Christianity has, regrettably, become self-centered, fixating on personal salvation rather than embodying the love of God through service to others.
Understanding the essence of Jesus' mission reveals a deeper purpose beyond individual salvation—a call to empty ourselves, surrendering our agendas to God's will. True humility, therefore, entails relinquishing selfish desires for the greater good of humanity, trusting entirely in God's guidance.
As I continue to grow in faith, I am reminded of the profound simplicity of Jesus' message: to submit wholly to the Father's will. May we all learn from His example, embracing humility as the pathway to spiritual fulfillment. While there is much more to explore on this topic, I'll conclude here, hoping that my reflections resonate with you and inspire a deeper understanding of true humility.